1.Effect Analysis of Different Interventions to Improve Neuroinflammation in The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Jiang-Hui SHAN ; Chao-Yang CHU ; Shi-Yu CHEN ; Zhi-Cheng LIN ; Yu-Yu ZHOU ; Tian-Yuan FANG ; Chu-Xia ZHANG ; Biao XIAO ; Kai XIE ; Qing-Juan WANG ; Zhi-Tao LIU ; Li-Ping LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):310-333
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment in clinical. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD. In recent years, a variety of therapeutic approaches from different perspectives have been explored to treat AD. Although the drug therapies targeted at the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) had made a breakthrough in clinical trials, there were associated with adverse events. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AD. Continuous neuroinflammatory was considered to be the third major pathological feature of AD, which could promote the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. At the same time, these toxic substances could accelerate the development of neuroinflammation, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate disease progression. Reducing neuroinflammation could break the feedback loop pattern between neuroinflammation, Aβ plaque deposition and Tau tangles, which might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum and Curcuma were utilized in the treatment of AD due to their ability to mitigate neuroinflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin had been shown to reduce the level of inflammasomes in the body, and taking these drugs was associated with a low incidence of AD. Biosynthetic nanomaterials loaded with oxytocin were demonstrated to have the capability to anti-inflammatory and penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, and they played an anti-inflammatory role via sustained-releasing oxytocin in the brain. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells could reduce neuroinflammation and inhibit the activation of microglia. The secretion of mesenchymal stem cells could not only improve neuroinflammation, but also exert a multi-target comprehensive therapeutic effect, making it potentially more suitable for the treatment of AD. Enhancing the level of TREM2 in microglial cells using gene editing technologies, or application of TREM2 antibodies such as Ab-T1, hT2AB could improve microglial cell function and reduce the level of neuroinflammation, which might be a potential treatment for AD. Probiotic therapy, fecal flora transplantation, antibiotic therapy, and dietary intervention could reshape the composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. However, the drugs of sodium oligomannose remain controversial. Both exercise intervention and electromagnetic intervention had the potential to attenuate neuroinflammation, thereby delaying AD process. This article focuses on the role of drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, gut microbiota therapy, exercise intervention, and brain stimulation in improving neuroinflammation in recent years, aiming to provide a novel insight for the treatment of AD by intervening neuroinflammation in the future.
2.Distribution characteristics, source apportionment, and health risk assessment of metals and metalloids in PM2.5 in a southern city in 2019
Yaxin QU ; Suli HUANG ; Chao WANG ; Jie JIANG ; Jiajia JI ; Daokui FANG ; Shaohua XIE ; Xiaoheng LI ; Ning LIU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(2):196-204
Background Metals and metalloids in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) may cause damage to the respiratory and circulatory systems of the human body, and long-term exposure is prone to causing chronic poisoning, cancer, and other adverse effects. Objective To assess the distribution characteristics of metals and metalloids in outdoor PM2.5 in a southern city of China, conduct source apportionment, and evaluate the associated health risks, thereby providing theoretical support for further pollution control measures. Methods PM2.5 samples were collected in districts A, B, and C of a southern China city, and the concentrations of 17 metals and metalloids were detected by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Pollution sources were assessed through enrichment factor and principal components analysis, and the main pollution sources were quantified using absolute principal component scores-multivariate linear regression (APCS-MLR). Health risks were evaluated based on the Technical guide for environmental health risk assessment of chemical exposure (WS/T777—2021). Results The ambient air PM2.5 concentrations in the city were higher in winter and spring, and lower in summer and autumn. The annual average concentrations of ambient PM2.5 in districts A, B, and C were 36.7, 31.9, and 24.4 μg·m−3, respectively. The ambient PM2.5 levels in districts B and C were below the second-grade limit set by the Ambient air quality standards (GB 3095—2012). The enrichment factors of cadmium (Cd), aluminum (Al), and antimony (Sb) were greater than 10, those of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), and molybdenum (Mo) fell between 1 and 10, and those of manganese (Mn), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), and uranium (U) were below or equal to 1. The comprehensive evaluation of source analysis showed that the main pollution sources in districts A and C and the whole city were coal-burning. In district B, the main pollution source was also coal combustion, followed by industrial process sources and dust sources. The carcinogenic risks of As and Cr were between 1×10−6 and 1×10−4. However, the hazard quotients for 15 metals and metalloids in terms of non-carcinogenic risk were below 1. Conclusion Cr and As in the atmospheric PM2.5 of the city present a certain risk of cancer and should be paid attention to. In addition, preventive control measures should be taken against relevant pollution sources such as industrial emission, dust, and coal burning.
3.Analysis of characteristics of adverse drug reactions in a hospital from 2021 to 2023
Yan WANG ; Ming FANG ; Hongwei SONG ; Chao ZHONG ; Feng XU ; Ting ZHOU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(4):200-204
Objective To analyze the characteristics of adverse drug reactions (ADR) reported in Sixth People’s Hospital South Campus, Shanghai Jiaotong University from 2021 to 2023, to provide reference for promoting rational clinical drug use. Methods ADR data reported in our hospital were collected retrospectively, including patients’ basic information, drugs causing adverse reactions, types of adverse reactions and outcomes. Descriptive analysis methods were used to summarize and analyze the data. Results A total of 979 cases of ADR were reported in our hospital from 2021 to 2023. The highest proportion of patients with ADR occurred in the age range of 31 to 50, and more male patients (63.5%). The top five drugs involved with adverse reactions were antibiotics (48.8%), Chinese medicine injections(19.2%), vitamins(7.5%), Chinese traditional medicine(7.2%), equine tetanus immunoglobulin(6.3%). Among antibiotics, cefuroxime, ceftazidime and cefotiam were the majority. The organs/systems involved in all ADR were mainly skin and accessories damage (55.4%). The clinical manifestations were rash, itching, and maculopapular rash. Conclusion From 2021 to 2023, the most common drugs causing adverse drug reactions in our hospital were mainly antibacterial drugs, and the rational clinical use of antibacterial drugs still needs to be concerned.
4.Molecular Mechanisms of RNA Modification Interactions and Their Roles in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Jia-Wen FANG ; Chao ZHE ; Ling-Ting XU ; Lin-Hai LI ; Bin XIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2252-2266
RNA modifications constitute a crucial class of post-transcriptional chemical alterations that profoundly influence RNA stability and translational efficiency, thereby shaping cellular protein expression profiles. These diverse chemical marks are ubiquitously involved in key biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and metastatic potential, and they exert precise regulatory control over these functions. A major advance in the field is the recognition that RNA modifications do not act in isolation. Instead, they participate in complex, dynamic interactions—through synergistic enhancement, antagonism, competitive binding, and functional crosstalk—forming what is now termed the “RNA modification interactome” or “RNA modification interaction network.” The formation and functional operation of this interactome rely on a multilayered regulatory framework orchestrated by RNA-modifying enzymes—commonly referred to as “writers,” “erasers,” and “readers.” These enzymes exhibit hierarchical organization within signaling cascades, often functioning in upstream-downstream sequences and converging at critical regulatory nodes. Their integration is further mediated through shared regulatory elements or the assembly into multi-enzyme complexes. This intricate enzymatic network directly governs and shapes the interdependent relationships among various RNA modifications. This review systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying both direct and indirect interactions between RNA modifications. Building upon this foundation, we introduce novel quantitative assessment frameworks and predictive disease models designed to leverage these interaction patterns. Importantly, studies across multiple disease contexts have identified core downstream signaling axes driven by specific constellations of interacting RNA modifications. These findings not only deepen our understanding of how RNA modification crosstalk contributes to disease initiation and progression, but also highlight its translational potential. This potential is exemplified by the discovery of diagnostic biomarkers based on interaction signatures and the development of therapeutic strategies targeting pathogenic modification networks. Together, these insights provide a conceptual framework for understanding the dynamic and multidimensional regulatory roles of RNA modifications in cellular systems. In conclusion, the emerging concept of RNA modification crosstalk reveals the extraordinary complexity of post-transcriptional regulation and opens new research avenues. It offers critical insights into the central question of how RNA-modifying enzymes achieve substrate specificity—determining which nucleotides within specific RNA transcripts are selectively modified during defined developmental or pathological stages. Decoding these specificity determinants, shaped in large part by the modification interactome, is essential for fully understanding the biological and pathological significance of the epitranscriptome.
6.Clinical trial of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of adults with mild and moderate depression
Shu-Zhe ZHOU ; Zu-Cheng HAN ; Xiu-Zhen WANG ; Yan-Qing CHEN ; Ya-Ling HU ; Xue-Qin YU ; Bin-Hong WANG ; Guo-Zhen FAN ; Hong SANG ; Ying HAI ; Zhi-Jie JIA ; Zhan-Min WANG ; Yan WEI ; Jian-Guo ZHU ; Xue-Qin SONG ; Zhi-Dong LIU ; Li KUANG ; Hong-Ming WANG ; Feng TIAN ; Yu-Xin LI ; Ling ZHANG ; Hai LIN ; Bin WU ; Chao-Ying WANG ; Chang LIU ; Jia-Fan SUN ; Shao-Xiao YAN ; Jun LIU ; Shou-Fu XIE ; Mao-Sheng FANG ; Wei-Feng MI ; Hong-Yan ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(6):815-819
Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression.Methods An open,single-arm,multi-center design was adopted in our study.Adult patients with mild and moderate depression who had received acute treatment of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides were enrolled and continue to receive Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules for 24 weeks,the dose remained unchanged during continuation treatment.The remission rate,recurrence rate,recurrence time,and the change from baseline to endpoint of Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),Clinical Global Impression-Severity(CGI-S)and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale(ASEX)were evaluated.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was reported.Results The scores of HAMD-17 at baseline and after treatment were 6.60±1.87 and 5.85±4.18,scores of HAMA were 6.36±3.02 and 4.93±3.09,scores of CGI-S were 1.49±0.56 and 1.29±0.81,scores of ASEX were 15.92±4.72 and 15.57±5.26,with significant difference(P<0.05).After continuation treatment,the remission rate was 54.59%(202 cases/370 cases),and the recurrence rate was 6.49%(24 cases/370 cases),the recurrence time was(64.67±42.47)days.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 15.35%(64 cases/417 cases).Conclusion Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules can be effectively used for the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression,and are well tolerated and safe.
7.Clinical trial of propofol and remazolam in patients of painless fiberoptic bronchoscopic biopsy
Zhi-Hua HUANG ; Yan-Fang WANG ; Chao-Sheng QIN ; Yi-Hong JIANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(12):1699-1703
Objective To observe clinical outcomes of propofol and remazolam in patients undergoing elective painless fiberoptic bronchoscopic biopsy.Methods Patients who underwent painless fibreoptic bronchoscopic biopsy in our hospital from March 2022 to April 2023 were selected for the study and divided into 2 groups using simple randomisation method.In the control group,anaesthesia was induced with 1 mg·kg-1 propofol,3 μg·kg-1 fentanyl,0.1 mg·kg-1 cis-atracurium,and anaesthesia was maintained with 4-6 mg·kg-1·h-1 propofol.In the treatment group,anaesthesia was induced with 0.2 mg·kg-1 remazolam,3 μg·kg-1 fentanyl,0.1 mg·kg-1 cis-atracurium,and anaesthesia was maintained with 0.2-0.4 mg·kg-1·h-1 remazolam.We compared the awakening time,laryngeal mask removal time,microscopy time,and the proportion of additional anaesthetics in the 2 groups,and detected the levels of S100β,neuron-specific enolase(NSE),interleukin-6(IL-6),tumour necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)in the 2 groups preoperatively and at 24 h postoperatively,and statistically counted the occurrences of adverse reactions in the 2 groups.Results The time for pulling out the laryngeal mask in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group,while the time for microscopy,time for awakening,and proportion of additional anaesthesia drugs were not statistically significant when compared with that in the control group(all P>0.05).The overall anaesthesia effect grading of the test group was not statistically significant when compared with the control group(P>0.05).S100β were(0.66±0.17)and(0.78±0.21)μg·L-1;NSE were(8.47±1.78)and(11.47±2.06)μg·L-1;IL-6 were(8.64±1.21)and(12.89±1.47)pg·mL-1;TNF-α were(6.27±1.07)and(9.13±1.41)pg·mL-1,respectively,which were higher than that of preoperative period,and the treatment group was lower than that of the control group at 24 h postoperatively,and the difference was statistically significant(all P<0.05).The incidence of adverse drug reactions in the treatment group and the control group were 13.75%and 22.50%,respectively,and the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion The use of remazolam in painless fiberoptic bronchoscopic biopsy is less neurologically damaging,stabilizes hemodynamics.
8.Network meta-analysis of the modeling effects of different factors on rabbit models of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head
Zhixing HU ; Qun LI ; Chao YANG ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Luochangting FANG ; Wuqiong HOU ; Na LIN ; Weiheng CHEN ; Chunfang LIU ; Ya LIN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(6):976-984
OBJECTIVE:The rabbit model of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head is the most commonly used animal model of femoral head necrosis.The pathological changes of the femoral head are close to clinical practice,however,the conditions,methods and evaluation standards of animal models reported in and outside China are not uniform,which leads to the low scientific value of animal models and is difficult to popularize.This study aimed to clarify the influence of different mold-making conditions on the establishment of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head rabbit model and analyze the appropriate conditions for the successful model establishment. METHODS:We searched the CNKI,WanFang,VIP,CBM,WoS,PubMed and EMbsae databases for the literature on the modeling of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head rabbits up to April 1,2022,completed the screening of the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and literature quality evaluation,and extracted the outcome index data in the literature.RevMan Stata and ADDIS statistical software were used to conduct a meta-analysis of the included data. RESULTS:(1)A total of 82 articles with 1 366 rabbits were included in the study.The steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head modeling methods were divided into three types:steroid-alone method,steroid combined lipopolysaccharide method and steroid combined serum method.Among these,33 articles used steroid-alone method;20 articles used steroid combined lipopolysaccharide method;29 articles used steroid combined serum method.(2)Meta-analysis results showed that the three modeling methods significantly increased the rate of empty bone lacunae in the femoral head of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head rabbits(P<0.001),and significantly decreased the ratio of the trabecular bone area in the femoral head of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head rabbits(P<0.001).The order of empty bone lacunae rate of each modeling method was:steroid combined with lipopolysaccharide method>steroid-alone method>steroid combined with serum method>normal group,and the order of trabecular bone area rate of each modeling method was:normal group>steroid combined with serum method>steroid-alone method>steroid combined with lipopolysaccharide method.(3)The results of subgroup analysis suggested that the rate of empty bone lacunae in the rabbit model induced by steroid alone might be related to the rabbit variety and the type of steroid used for modeling(difference between groups P<0.05),in which the combined effect amount of New Zealand white rabbits was higher than that of Chinese white rabbits(P<0.05)and Japanese white rabbits,and the combined effect amount of dexamethasone was higher than that of other steroids.The rate of empty bone lacunae induced by steroid combined with lipopolysaccharide was related to the administration mode of lipopolysaccharide and the type of steroid(P<0.05),among which the combined effect of methylprednisolone sodium succinate was significantly higher than that of other steroids(P<0.05),and the combined effect of prednisolone was significantly lower than that of other steroids(P<0.05).The combined effect of lipopolysaccharide 100 μg/kg×twice was significantly lower than 10 μg/kg×twice and 50 μg/kg×twice(P<0.05).The rate of empty bone lacunae in the model induced by steroid combined with serum was related to serum dose and steroid type(P<0.05),among which the combined effect amount of dexamethasone sodium phosphate was significantly higher than other steroid types(P<0.05),and the combined effect amount of dexamethasone was significantly lower than other steroid types(P<0.05);the combined effect amount of serum"10 mL/kg+6 mL/kg"combined dose was lower than other serum doses(P<0.05). CONCLUSION:(1)With the rate of empty bone lacunae and the ratio of trabecular bone area as the judgment standard for the successful establishment of the model,the three modeling methods can successfully construct the rabbit steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head model,of which the steroid combined with lipopolysaccharide method is the best.(2)New Zealand white rabbits and dexamethasone are recommended when selecting the steroid-alone method.Methylprednisolone sodium succinate and low-dose lipopolysaccharide are recommended when selecting the steroid combined with lipopolysaccharide method.Dexamethasone sodium phosphate is recommended when selecting the steroid combined with serum modeling method.
9.An Enhancer LncRNA Regulates NFE2 Expression and Proliferation in Human Leukemic K562 Cells
Yan-Fei LU ; Song-Ya QU ; Jing-Jing ZHU ; Chao LIU ; Jian WANG ; Bing-She HAN ; Jun-Fang ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(1):190-201
ObjectiveTranscription factor NFE2 was observed abnormal expression in myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) patients. However, how NFE2 is transcriptionally regulated remains ambiguous. This study aims to explore the elements and molecular mechanisms involved in the transcriptional regulation of NFE2. MethodsActive enhancers were predicted by public NGS data and conformed experimentally via dual luciferase reporter assay. After that, PRO-seq and GRO-seq data was used to detect enhancer RNAs transcribed from these enhancers. RACE was utilized to clone the full length enhancer RNA (eRNA) transcripts, and RT-qPCR was used to measure their expression in different leukemia cell lines as well as the transcript levels during induced differentiation. Finally, to investigate the molecular function of the eRNA, overexpression and knockdown of the eRNA via lentivirus system was performed in K562 cells. ResultsWe identified three enhancers regulating NFE2 transcription, which located at -3.6k, -6.2k and +6.3k from NFE2 transcription start site (TSS) respectively. At the -3.6k enhancer, we cloned an eRNA transcript and characterized that as a lncRNA which was expressed and located in the nucleus in three types of leukemia cell lines. When this lncRNA was overexpressed, expression of NFE2 was upregulated and decreases of K562 cell proliferation and migration ability were observed. While knocking down of this lncRNA, the level of NFE2 decreases correspondingly and the proliferation ability of K562 cells increases accordingly. ConclusionWe identified an enhancer lncRNA that regulates NFE2 transcription positively and suppresses K562 cell proliferation.
10.Clinical observation of levosimendan in the treatment of septic shock combined with myocardial depression
Fang XIONG ; Chao LIU ; Kexiang ZHANG ; Qilong ZHOU ; Hua LU ; Jianguo CHEN ; Xi YUE ; Jianxin ZHAO ; Pengfei PAN
China Pharmacy 2024;35(20):2517-2521
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of levosimendan on cardiac function, hemodynamics and prognosis of patients with septic shock complicated with myocardial depression, and evaluate the safety of levosimendan. METHODS Patients with septic shock complicated with myocardial depression who were admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine of Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital from April 2021 to August 2023, underwent adequate fluid resuscitation, had a mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥65 mmHg, and received pulse indicator continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) monitoring were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into dobutamine group and levosimendan group according to a random number table, with 20 patients in each group. Both groups received intravenous infusion of Norepinephrine bitartrate injection at a dose of 0.1-2.0 μg/(kg·min). On this basis, the dobutamine group additionally received intravenous infusion of Dobutamine hydrochloride injection at a dose of 5- 10 μg/(kg·min) for 3 to 7 days, while the levosimendan group additionally received intravenous infusion of Levosimendan injection at a dose of 0.1-0.2 μg/(kg·min) for 24 hours. Heart rate (HR) and hemodynamic parameters [systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, MAP, central venous pressure (CVP)], PiCCO monitoring parameters [cardiac function index (CFI), cardiac index (CI), stroke volume index (SVI), extravascular lung water index, global end-diastolic volume index, pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI), global ejection fraction (GEF), systemic vascular resistance index, left ventricular contractility index], and prognosis indicators [death within 3 days after administration, mechanical ventilation time,intensive care unit (ICU) stay time, 28-day mortality rate] were compared between the two groups before treatment and at 24 and 72 hours after treatment. Adverse reactions were E-mail:recorded for both groups. RESULTS Compared with before treatment in the same group, CFI, CI and GEF at 24 hours after treatment, CI and GEF at 72 hours after treatment in the dobutamine group, as well as SVI at 24 hours after treatment and SVI and GEF at 72 hours after treatment in the levosimendan group were significantly increased; PVPI at 72 hours after treatment in the dobutamine group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the dobutamine group during the same period, patients in the levosimendan group had significantly lower HR and significantly higher CVP at 24 hours after treatment (P<0.05). Within 3 days after administration, there were no deaths in either group; there were no statistically significant differences in mechanical ventilation time, ICU stay time, 28-day mortality rate, or the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS For patients with septic shock complicated with myocardial depression who have undergone adequate fluid resuscitation and have a MAP of ≥65 mmHg, levosimendan is comparable to dobutamine in improving cardiac function and hemodynamic parameters, without affecting patients’ prognosis or increasing the risk of adverse reactions such as hypotension.

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